Bored of malls and trampoline parks? Each month we pick out some of Beijing’s cultural attractions which are particularly suitable for families, and which will leave your kids amazed, inspired, and intrigued.
Workshop: Sewing and Giant Spiders
The famous giant spider “Maman”, seen here in Zurich, can be viewed in Beijing until Jun 23
French-American artist Louise Bourgeois was famed for her giant spiders, but she was also interested in the importance of traditional textile arts: sewing, weaving, and spinning. This workshop, run by Atelier, accompanies the first large-scale exhibition of her work in China, and will help kids understand the work of this important artistic figure. If you can’t make it to the workshop, the exhibition runs until June 23, and is well worth exploring.
The Eternal Thread, Jun 8
Age 8+. RMB 750. 10am-3pm. Song Art Museum, Grasse Road, Loutai Village, Tianzhu Town, Shunyi District.(13240184908) https://globerweb.com/listings/song-art-museum-workshop/ 松美术馆：顺义区 天竺镇楼台村南格拉斯路
Art: Toys From a Different Culture
This exhibition of handcrafted, brightly painted toys from different regions of Japan is an insight into what kids from different cultures have in common, and where they differ. The toys also have symbols and shapes intended to bring good luck. The only complaint you might get from your little ones is that they’re not allowed to touch them!
Japanese Folk Toys, until Sep 15
All ages. Free. 10am-10pm. Muji Hotel, Building 2, 21 Langfang Toutiao, Meishi Street, Xicheng District. (6316 9199) www.douban.com/event/32041204/. 西城区 廊房头条21号院北京坊W2号楼B1层.
Theater: A Much-Loved Musical
“We’re off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz…” And you could be too, if you get down to the Tianqiao Performing Arts Center later this month. This is a revived and refreshed version of the stage musical, sure to delight all who love the classic film, and youngsters who are new to the story. Performed in English with Chinese subtitles.
The Wizard of Oz, Jun 13-30
All ages. RMB 280-1080. 7.30pm, Sat-Sun 2.30pm matinee. Tianqiao Performing Arts Center. Bldg 9, Tianqiao South Street, Xicheng District. (400-635-3355) www.247tickets.com/t/broadway-classic-musical-the-wizard-of-oz. 西城区天桥南大街9号楼.
Dance: A Charming Tale for Little Ones
Panda’s Home is a Chinese-Italian co-production, which has enchanted audiences around the world. TPO Dance Troupe specialize in combining technology with art to produce a mesmerizing experience, where children are allowed onto the stage to interact with the dancers.
Panda’s Home, Jun 22-23
Ages 4-9 plus parents/ carers. RMB 160-350. Various times. National Centre for the Performing Arts. 2 Chang’an Jie, Xicheng District. (6655 0000) http://ticket.chncpa.org/product-1060503.html. 西城区西长安街2号.
Photography: A Rock Legend
Teens just discovering the legacy of the late great David Bowie will be fascinated by this exhibition. Mick Rock was Bowie’s official photographer during his iconic “Ziggy Stardust” era, documenting the singer’s extraordinary costumes and performances, and the pantheon of rock greats who worked with him, including Lou Reed and Iggy Pop.
Bowie by Mick Rock, until Aug 4
All ages. RMB 108 weekdays, RMB 120 weekends and holidays, free for Seniors 65+ with ID and for one child under 1.2m accompanied by an adult. 10am-7pm. 798 Art Factory. 4 Jiu Xian Qiao Lu, Chaoyang District. (1132 2248) www.247tickets.com/t/bowie-mick-rock-beijing. 酒仙桥路4号大山子艺术区.
Photos: https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15617848, www.douban.com/event/32041204/, www.tqpac.com/item/1999.html, http://ticket.chncpa.org/product-1060503.html, Mick Rock via www.247tickets.com/t/bowie-mick-rock-beijing
